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Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Blueberries ( L.) are cultivated worldwide and are among the best dietary sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects. This study aimed to investigate...
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activities, Antidepressant Effect, and Lipid Peroxidation of Peruvian Blueberry: Molecular Docking Studies on Targets Involved in Oxidative Stress and Depression.
Blueberries ( L.) are cultivated worldwide and are among the best dietary sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects. This study aimed to investigate the components of Peruvian blueberry using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS), identifying 11 compounds. Furthermore, we assessed in vitro the antioxidant activity and in vivo the antidepressant effect using a rat model and protective effect on lipid peroxidation (in the serum, brain, liver, and stomach). We also conducted molecular docking simulations with proteins involved in oxidative stress and depression for the identified compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazin (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Peruvian blueberries demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than fruits from Chile, Brazil, the United States, Turkey, Portugal, and China. The results showed that oral administration of Peruvian blueberries (10 and 20 mg/kg) for 28 days significantly ( < 0.001) increased swimming and reduced immobility in the forced swimming test (FST). Additionally, at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, oxidative stress was reduced in vivo ( < 0.001) by decreasing lipid peroxidation in brain, liver, stomach, and serum. Molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions were performed. In the molecular docking studies, quercitrin and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid showed the best docking scores for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and xanthine oxidase; while 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester and caffeoyl coumaroylquinic acid had the best docking scores for monoamine oxidase and serotonin receptor 5-HT. In summary, our results suggest that the antidepressant and protective effects against lipid peroxidation might be related to the antioxidant activity of Peruvian L.
PubMed: 38931078
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121643 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Water scarcity is a significant constraint on agricultural practices, particularly in Colombia, where numerous palm cultivators rely on rainfed systems for their...
Water scarcity is a significant constraint on agricultural practices, particularly in Colombia, where numerous palm cultivators rely on rainfed systems for their plantations. Identifying drought-tolerant cultivars becomes pivotal to mitigating the detrimental impacts of water stress on growth and productivity. This study scrutinizes the variability in drought responses of growth, physiological, and biochemical variables integral to selecting drought-tolerant oil palm cultivars in the nursery. A comprehensive dataset was compiled by subjecting seedlings of eleven cultivars to four soil water potentials (-0.05 MPa, -0.5 MPa, -1 MPa, and -2 MPa) over 60 days. This dataset encompasses growth attributes, photosynthetic parameters like maximum quantum yield and electron transfer rate, gas exchange (photosynthesis, transpiration, and water use efficiency), levels of osmolytes (proline and sugars), abscisic acid (ABA) content, as well as antioxidant-related enzymes, including peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) elucidated two principal components that account for approximately 65% of the cumulative variance. Noteworthy enzyme activity was detected for glutathione reductase and ascorbate peroxidase. When juxtaposed with the other evaluated cultivars, one of the cultivars (IRHO 7001) exhibited the most robust response to water deficit. The six characteristics evaluated (photosynthesis, predawn water potential, proline, transpiration, catalase activity, sugars) were determined to be the most discriminant when selecting palm oil cultivars with tolerance to water deficit.
PubMed: 38931030
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121598 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This study aimed to analyze the effects of salt stress on the growth physiology and plant-cell ultrastructure of Fort. () to evaluate its adaptability under salt...
This study aimed to analyze the effects of salt stress on the growth physiology and plant-cell ultrastructure of Fort. () to evaluate its adaptability under salt stress. The effects of different concentrations of salt (NaCl; 0, 25, and 300 mmol·L) on the agronomic traits, activities of related enzymes, ion balance, and mesophyll-cell ultrastructure of were studied in a controlled pot experiment. Results showed that compared with those of the control group, the aerial-part fresh weight, underground fresh weight, tiller number, root length, root diameter, plant height, and leaf area of salt-stressed increased at 25 mmol·L and then decreased at 300 mmol·L. The changes in levels of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase showed a similar trend, with significant differences compared with control group. Salt stress altered the ion balance of , resulting in a significant increase in Na content and a significant decrease in K content. The contents of Ca and Mg changed to varying degrees. The analysis of the microstructure of the root showed that under salt treatment, the epidermal cells of the root significantly thickened and the diameter of the xylem decreased. The results of ultrastructural analysis of mesophylls showed that salt stress can cause cell-membrane contraction, cell-gap enlargement, disorder in the structures of chloroplasts and mitochondria, and an increase in the number of osmiophilic particles. These changes were aggravated by the increase in NaCl concentration. This study reveals the response of to salt stress and provides a basis for further study on the salt-tolerance mechanism of .
PubMed: 38931025
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121593 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Nitroxides are stable radicals consisting of a nitroxyl group, >N-O, which carries an unpaired electron. This group is responsible for the paramagnetic and antioxidant...
Nitroxides are stable radicals consisting of a nitroxyl group, >N-O, which carries an unpaired electron. This group is responsible for the paramagnetic and antioxidant properties of these compounds. A recent study evaluated the effects of pyrrolidine and pyrroline derivatives of nitroxides on the antioxidant system of human red blood cells (RBCs). It showed that nitroxides caused an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of methemoglobin (MetHb) in cells (in pyrroline derivatives) but had no effect on the activity of catalase and lactate dehydrogenase. Nitroxides also reduced the concentration of ascorbic acid (AA) in cells but did not cause any oxidation of proteins or lipids. Interestingly, nitroxides initiated an increase in thiols in the plasma membranes and hemolysate. However, the study also revealed that nitroxides may have pro-oxidant properties. The drop in the AA concentration and the increase in the MetHb level and in SOD activity may indicate the pro-oxidant properties of nitroxides in red blood cells.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Erythrocytes; Methemoglobin; Nitrogen Oxides; Oxidation-Reduction; Pyrrolidines; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 38931005
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122941 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This study investigated the mechanism by which fucoxanthin acts as a novel ferroptosis inducer to inhibit tongue cancer. The MTT assay was used to detect the inhibitory...
This study investigated the mechanism by which fucoxanthin acts as a novel ferroptosis inducer to inhibit tongue cancer. The MTT assay was used to detect the inhibitory effects of fucoxanthin on SCC-25 human tongue squamous carcinoma cells. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total iron were measured. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting were used to assess glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Keap1, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), p53, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression. Molecular docking was performed to validate interactions. Compared with the control group, the activity of fucoxanthin-treated SCC-25 cells significantly decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The levels of MMP, GSH, and SOD significantly decreased in fucoxanthin-treated SCC-25 cells; the levels of ROS, MDA, and total iron significantly increased. mRNA and protein expression levels of Keap1, GPX4, Nrf2, and HO-1 in fucoxanthin-treated cells were significantly decreased, whereas levels of TFR1 and p53 were significantly increased, in a concentration-dependent manner. Molecular docking analysis revealed that binding free energies of fucoxanthin with p53, SLC7A11, GPX4, Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and TFR1 were below -5 kcal/mol, primarily based on active site hydrogen bonding. Our findings suggest that fucoxanthin can induce ferroptosis in SCC-25 cells, highlighting its potential as a treatment for tongue cancer.
Topics: Humans; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Ferroptosis; Xanthophylls; Heme Oxygenase-1; Cell Line, Tumor; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase; Molecular Docking Simulation; Reactive Oxygen Species; Signal Transduction; Tongue Neoplasms; Receptors, Transferrin; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Amino Acid Transport System y+; Superoxide Dismutase; Down-Regulation; Antigens, CD
PubMed: 38930897
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122832 -
Microorganisms May 2024This study aimed to explore the effects of (BA) as one woody forage addition (as a probiotic, 1 × 10 CFU/g) on tilapia (). Woody forage is one kind of fishery feed...
This study aimed to explore the effects of (BA) as one woody forage addition (as a probiotic, 1 × 10 CFU/g) on tilapia (). Woody forage is one kind of fishery feed that could significantly enhance the growth, feed utilization, and digestibility of tilapia. At first, tilapia was divided into eight groups and fed with control, control + BA, , + BA, , + BA, , and + BA diets, respectively. After dieting for 8 weeks, the intestinal morphology of tilapia in the eight groups was observed, and the effects of the addition and wordy forage on the intestine functions were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. As no significant negative effects were found on the woody forage on tilapia, the villus height, density and width, and epithelial goblet cells in the posterior intestines of tilapia with BA supplementation were greater than those in the groups without BA supplementation, suggesting SCAU-070 could promote the growth and development of tilapia intestinal tracts. Furthermore, it was found that SCAU-070 enhanced the antioxidation capacity of tilapia posterior intestine tissue by promoting the activity of superoxide dismutase and content of malondialdehyde. In addition, the result of high-throughput sequencing (16S rDNA) showed that the beneficial bacteria and in the probiotic groups increased significantly, while the potential pathogenic bacteria decreased significantly.
PubMed: 38930431
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061049 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Transition metal oxide (TMO)-based nanozymes have appeared as hopeful tools for antitumor applications due to their unique catalytic properties and ability to modulate... (Review)
Review
Transition metal oxide (TMO)-based nanozymes have appeared as hopeful tools for antitumor applications due to their unique catalytic properties and ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the latest progress made in the field of TMO-based nanozymes, focusing on their enzymatic activities and participating metal ions. These nanozymes exhibit catalase (CAT)-, peroxidase (POD)-, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-, oxidase (OXD)-, and glutathione oxidase (GSH-OXD)-like activities, enabling them to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and glutathione (GSH) concentrations within the TME. Widely studied transition metals in TMO-based nanozymes include Fe, Mn, Cu, Ce, and the hybrid multimetallic oxides, which are also summarized. The review highlights several innovative nanozyme designs and their multifunctional capabilities. Despite the significant progress in TMO-based nanozymes, challenges such as long-term biosafety, targeting precision, catalytic mechanisms, and theoretical supports remain to be addressed, and these are also discussed. This review contributes to the summary and understanding of the rapid development of TMO-based nanozymes, which holds great promise for advancing nanomedicine and improving cancer treatment.
PubMed: 38930266
DOI: 10.3390/ma17122896 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant global health burden that necessitates the exploration of effective and accessible therapeutic options. Phytotherapy has played a...
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant global health burden that necessitates the exploration of effective and accessible therapeutic options. Phytotherapy has played a vital role in healthcare, with plant extracts being integral to traditional medicinal practices. The therapeutic potential of (Rose of Sharon), a plant with a rich ethnobotanical history, in the management of DM and its associated complications was investigated. In this study, the therapeutic potential of L. extract (HSE) against DM in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was assessed, focusing on its effects on glucose regulation, antioxidative defense, and liver protection. The administration of the HSE extract substantially reduced hyperglycemia and increased insulin production, with concurrent improvements in body weight and hydration. The enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), suggests reduced oxidative stress, which is further supported by molecular docking results with the 3GTV superoxide dismutase enzyme, showing a binding energy of -6.3 kcal/mol. A decrease in MDA levels also indicates a reduction in oxidative stress. Notably, HSE treatment led to decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and improved lipid profiles, indicating its hepatoprotective and lipid-modifying benefits. These findings support the inclusion of HSE as an adjunctive therapy in DM management strategies. This study promotes the consideration of L. therapeutic properties in global health contexts.
PubMed: 38929670
DOI: 10.3390/life14060686 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024The intestinal microbiome changes with age, influencing the host's health and immune status. () positively affects intestinal function in humans and animals, but its...
The intestinal microbiome changes with age, influencing the host's health and immune status. () positively affects intestinal function in humans and animals, but its effects on gut health and the microbiota profile in aged dogs have not been thoroughly investigated. Twenty aged Labrador Retrievers were divided into two groups: a control group (CON) and a group (SC). The experiment lasted for 42 days, with assessments of their intestinal barrier function, inflammatory factors, antioxidant markers, and fecal microbiome composition. The results showed that dietary reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the serum ( < 0.05). In the SC group, plasma superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities increased, while the level of malondialdehyde significantly decreased ( < 0.05). Additionally, dietary lowered the serum zonulin and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels ( < 0.05) and inhibited fecal ammonia production ( < 0.05). Furthermore, the microbiota profile showed that dietary decreased the abundance of Firmicutes but increased the Chao index, the abundance of Bacteroidetes, and the proportion of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ( < 0.05). To conclude, dietary can regulate the gut's microbial structure and gut health, which may contribute to the overall health of companion animals as they age.
PubMed: 38929332
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121713 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024To investigate the activities of intestinal digestive enzymes, liver antioxidant enzymes, immunological enzymes, and glucometabolic enzymes in largemouth bass () under...
To investigate the activities of intestinal digestive enzymes, liver antioxidant enzymes, immunological enzymes, and glucometabolic enzymes in largemouth bass () under the biofloc model, an experiment was conducted in 300-liter glass tanks. The experiment comprised a control group, which was fed a basal diet, and a biofloc group, where glucose was added to maintain a C/N ratio of 15. Each group had three parallel setups, with a stocking density of 20 fish per tank. The experiment ran for 60 days, employing a zero-water exchange aquaculture model. The results showed that at the end of the culture period, there were no significant differences between the initial weight, final weight, WGR, SGR, and SR of the biofloc group and the control group of largemouth bass ( > 0.05), whereas the lower FCR and the higher PER in the biofloc group were significant ( < 0.05); intestinal α-amylase, trypsin, and lipase activities of largemouth bass in the biofloc group were significantly increased by 37.20%, 64.11%, and 51.69%, respectively, compared with the control group ( < 0.05); liver superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and total antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass in the biofloc group were significantly increased by 49.26%, 46.87%, and 98.94% ( < 0.05), while the malondialdehyde content was significantly reduced by 19.91% ( < 0.05); liver lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase activities of largemouth bass in the biofloc group were significantly increased by 62.66%, 41.22%, and 29.66%, respectively ( < 0.05); liver glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphate kinase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and glycogen synthase activities were significantly increased by 46.29%, 99.33%, 32.54%, and 26.89%, respectively ( < 0.05). The study showed that the biofloc model of culturing largemouth bass can not only enhance digestive enzyme activities, antioxidant capacity, and immune response but can also promote the process of glucose metabolism and reduce feeding costs. This study provides data support for healthy culturing of largemouth bass in future production, provides a theoretical reference for optimizing the biofloc technology culture model, and is crucial for promoting the healthy and green development of aquaculture.
PubMed: 38929175
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060736